Left Behind

When Sky awoke she found herself surrounded by Michael's scent of lavender and cookies. Sitting up quickly she glanced at the empty bed with its fluffy black blanket and sheets. Sniffing the second pillow on the bed she found the scent was old meaning he hadn't slept in the bed last night. Leaping out of bed Sky looked down at her night shift fuming as she looked around for clothes. Figuring Michael's clothes were better than none Sky rushed over to his closet. Throwing the door open Sky gaped at how big it was. Honestly, it was an entire other room. Who needed this much room for clothes. At the castle, she had one small wardrobe and a dresser. Of course that was plenty big enough for what she had so this was a bit overboard. Even with the bigness of it, it was empty except for her ballgown from last night and her last set of riding clothes. On the upside her riding clothes were clean. Stripping out of her night shift Sky jumped into her clothes.

Rushing out of the closet Sky ripped open the door to her room. Ignoring the startled guards Sky sprinted down the hallway. Hearing the sounds of doors being slammed open and a crowd of voices behind her Sky ran harder. She knew everyone was going to try to stop her and keep her in the castle. That was one thing she wasn't going to let happen. She didn't care what it took, she was going after her family and no one was going to stop her. Seeing a group of guards rushing down the hall toward her Sky spotted an open window. Without hesitation, she turned ran right for it. Jumping out the window Sky brought up her powers to send her elsewhere within an instant. Luckily though there was a ledge right below the window and the sudden shift wasn't needed. Running across the roof Sky turned in the direction of the horse stables.

Turning the castle into a parkour course Sky made her way to the stables unhindered by the guards. Quickly climbing down from the roof she sprinted the last couple of yards to the stable. Finding them void of the King's guards horses Sky let out a string of curse words fit for a sailor. Where her horse should have been was nothing but an empty stall. So not only did they leave her they also took her horse. Spinning on her heels Sky bolted out of the barn taking out a couple of guards who rushed in after her. Racing passed April who was wearing pants, strangely enough, Sky ran out of the stable area and into the training area. Running into a barracks Sky scrambled her way up a flight of stairs to the second floor and out of a window. Jumping out Sky grabbed the eave of the roof and lifted herself up. Making her way down the roof Sky took a flying leap toward the castle wall behind it. Landing on the ledge with the agility of a cat, Sky race down its length until she reached a spot she could safely leap off.

Heals digging into the dirt Sky scrambled her way down the mountain leaping, jumping, and crawling her way through vineyards and farms along the way. Coming to a second wall Sky raced along it until she found a spot she could make it up. Some times she wished her jumping power was more useful. She could jump anywhere in line of sight, or any place she mentally marks with a small distance. Currently, neither of these was a viable option for getting over this wall. Since she couldn't see the top of the wall she couldn't jump to it, just like when she was in the ocean. At least this wasn't a life or death struggle, but none the less urgent. Finding a Tree that was close enough Sky leaped into its branches and made her way toward the top of the wall. Springing out of the tree's foliage blindly Sky didn't have time to react as she took out a young guard who was standing right in her way. The fledging couldn't have been more than fifty years old. Watching his eyes round in surprise the fledging didn't have time to react as Sky slammed into him.

Grunting with the impact Sky apologize to the fledgling as shouts came from all directions. Not waiting around to see if the boy was okay Sky rushed to the other side of the wall looking for a way down. Finding her exit Sky had to incapacitate a couple guards in her passing as they tried to stop her, but she made it to her destination. Jumping from the wall to a small shed Sky cried out as she fell throw the roof. Laying on the ground stunned for a few seconds Sky watched as April dropped through the hole she'd just created in the roof. "Sky wait," cried April as she watched Sky leap to her feet and take off again like the hounds of hell were on her heals.

Sky didn't want to wait, she had to catch up with the group. With as large as a procession was they would have to stick to the road. Sky, on the other hand, could cut cross-country. From the top of the mountain she'd seen coming in she knew she'd be able to see for miles. If the group had left early this morning she'd be able to see them from that vantage point. Getting her baring Sky took off in the direction of the mountain range she wanted.

April decided she was out of shape as she struggled to keep up with welp that was running like her life depended on it. As they exited town and into the surrounding woods April fumed. How was it she could lose a white-haired girl in the middle of green woods. It's not like she could blind in, thought April as she bent over against a tree trying to catch her breath. "Giving up already," asked a winded voice behind her.

Turning around she could see William jugging up to her. He too was just as winded and red-faced as sweat rolled down his head. April at least was wearing light clothes, unlike William who was wearing a heavy guard uniform. "What are you doing here," asked April trying to catch her breath.

"Following you," laughed William leaning back against a nearby tree. "All of the guards were saying to stop her and I figured they were either talking about you or the girl you were chasing. Since the girl was in front I naturally assumed they were talking about her."

"Where is everyone else," asked April looking back the way they came.

"I think they gave up about two or three miles ago," said William wiping the sweat from his brow. "So are you ready to continue on?"

Turning to look back into the woods April shrugged her shoulders. "I would say yes, but I lost sight of her. I don't know where she would be headed at this point."

Rubbing his chin William pointed off in a direction. "We can head toward the summit. From there we should be able to see a great distance and spot her if she's heading west that is. She's the King's pet right?"

"Don't call her that," snapped April glaring at her little brother.

Looking quickly away from his sister's scary angry eyes William apologized, "I don't know what else to call her other than that, or the warrior princess. Did she really kill all of those men?"

Nodding her head yes April headed in the direction her brother had indicated. "Her name is Sky and she hates being called a princess. Now come on it's this way right?"

Jogging quickly behind his sister, William ran through the woods as fast as his armored feet would take him. By the time they reached the summit, he was ready to call it quits. He couldn't run anymore if his life depended on it. From the looks of it, neither could his sister. Leaning against a bolder heavily her chest billowed in and out as she tried to catch her breath. "I don't see her anywhere," said April gasping for breath.

Looking out over the valley below William didn't see her either. "There's no way she could have made it to the woods on the other side. That's half a day's ride from here. Do you think she changed direction and went back to the castle from a different direction?"

Shaking her head no April plucked the canteen out of his guard belt. "No, she would have to travel through this valley to get home. It's the most direct route that wouldn't take you almost three weeks out of your way. Is that a manticore?"

Spotting the manticore in the direction April was pointing William watched it running down the side of the mountain. Wondered if their crashing through the woods had disturbed it April sighed as her stomach grumbled. "At least it's running that way and not toward us. Well, come on let's head back. I know I haven't had breakfast and we'll be missing lunch too at the rate we're going."

"Blueberries?"

Taking the blueberries that were handed to her April replied, "Oh yes thank you!"

Pausing with her hand halfway her mouth April spun around quickly to see Sky sitting on top of the rock. Using her shirt as a basket she was picking berries out of it and popping them into her mouth. Every so often she'd hand one to the chipmunk on her knee but she never took her eyes off of the manticore as it made its way into the valley. "How long have you been there," asked the young guard she'd run over earlier. "I never saw you climb up on the rock."

"I've been here the entire time," replied Sky glancing at the fledgling before looking back over the valley.

"There's no way. There was nothing on that rock when we walked up," stated the boy sure on his life.

Handing Sky the young man's canteen April said, "Sky can hide herself like some wind dragons can do, or so Kyle told me. Water Milady?"

"Oh thank you," replied Sky trading her blueberries for the canteen.

Taking the handful, April passed them over to the young man before passing back the canteen. "We should probably head out before that dragon eater comes back," said the fledgling shoving the entire handful of berries into this mouth.

"He won't be coming back any time soon," replied Sky scooting over to the edge of the rock and presenting April with her full shirt. "How long have I been asleep?"

"Three days," replied April scooping out some of the blueberries.

"So they left the night of the ball then," replied Sky as she continued to look out over the valley.

"Yes why," asked April handing her brother another big handful of berries.

"The manticore had said that an army of dragons passed through his valley three moons ago, but he didn't see the King. However, he did see my horse being towed behind a wagon. Where is the King if not with his guards," asked Sky turning her glowing blue eyes toward April.

"Sir Jamie nocked him out the same as you. His Majesty was laid within a wagon to sleep off the drugs and spell that was cast on the both of you. Sir Jamie was quite worried about you. He was afraid he'd given you to much sleeping medication. When you went out on the dance floor you crashed hard. I'm glad to see you're awake though and even a day early," answered April.

"So they have a three-day head start huh," huffed Sky popping several more berries into her mouth.

Looking at Sky aghast April asked, "Surely you're not thinking of trying to catch up with them? On foot no less!"

Suddenly Sky sprung at April shoving her to the ground as blueberries rained down on her. Thinking she'd set her off April's mind reeled on how to fix it because she couldn't possibly run anymore. Scrambling over her brother who was also on the ground Aprils froze at the sound of a high pitched scream of a harpy. To a full grown dragon, harpies could be dangerous but not necessarily deadly. To fledglings and humans, harpies were deadly. They were freakishly fast and their talons were toxic. One scratch could fester in hours and within a day the fever could kill you. The one hundred pound birds were very aggressive and known to go after fledglings because they were easy targets. Even the males who could shift were easy prey for the beasts and there was never only one harpy. There was always a flock of them making for a well-oiled killing machine.

Turning her eyes to the skies looking for the enemy April reached for her bothers sword only to find his scabbard empty. Hearing a loud clink sound April turned to see Sky standing several feet away surrounded by bodied holding a broken sword. "What the hell! Not again!"

Growling Sky glared at the birds above her as her dragon changed her hands to clawed weapons. Screaming out the remaining harpies circled a couple of times before one dove at them. Running toward Sky, her brother swiped at the bird with his on claw as Sky blinked back into existence inches from him. Swiping at the bird herself Sky had to come up short before clawing her brother. Grazing the bird it cried out again before flying off wounded. Following after the one, the rest of the flock disappeared as they cried out. "Are you crazy those things kill fledglings like us, and how come you have claws," asked William eyeing Sky. "You can't be older than me and females don't get those until much older. And you never take a guards sword without asking."

Handing him back the broken sword Sky continued to look in the direction the birds flew. "I take it your dragon can still seem them huh," asked April looking in the same direction and seeing nothing.

"Yeah making sure they don't decide to change their mind," replied Sky before turning her attention back to William. "Sorry about the sword. It seems I have very bad luck with them. Every time I get my hands on one it breaks. I promise I'll get you a new one."

Leaning down William picked up one of the headless birds. "Don't worry I'll just take this thing and sell it. I can get enough from this to pay for a new sword."

"Really," asked Sky looking at the harpy carcass William had over his shoulder.

"Oh, yea harpy parts a worth a lot to the magic world. It's not often someone gets their hands on one. They are really hard to kill because of how fast they are," replied William looking at the ground that was currently littered with them.

"In that case," said Sky picking up as many carcasses as she could carry. "Why not take all of them?"

"Theirs like ten birds here," stated William. "We can't carry all of them all the way to town. Are you crazy?"

"We can if we make a sled. There's an abandoned house right over the ridge there I'm sure we can find something to drag them back to town with there," replied Sky making her way down the backside of the mountain loaded down with dead birds.

Shrugging her shoulders April picked up as many as she could carry and followed after Sky quickly. Finding everything they needed the three of them began their long trek back to town. Hours later the three of them pulled their sled to a stop at the first store they came to who purchased beast parts. Selling several of their birds there they continued on to the next. By the time they got all of the birds sold Sky had a huge pouch of money and a crowd outside the store. Everyone in town had already heard about the harpy killers and they were all vying for a chance to get a glimpse of them. "Princess why are you covered in blood," asked the High Lord as he road up surrounded by his guards.

"It's harpy blood," replied Sky looking slightly nervous. "Gladrea's going to be mad and make me take a bath huh?

Laughing the High Lord shook his head. "I don't know about mad but a bath will defiantly be necessary. April I am glad to see you are still attending the princess and it looks like it turned it into a family affair."

"Oh yeah," exclaimed Sky handing William her bag of money. "Here you go, this should get you a new sword." Looking between the pouch and then the High Lord, William turned toward his sister not knowing what to do. "The money is the reason we brought the birds back with us so it's yours," said Sky taking several more steps toward him and trying to hand him the money again.

"You did all of the work Princess so all of that money belongs to you," said William bowing low.

Looking at William confused and then at April Sky's dragon looked within them to figure out what was going on. On the way here they were talking about what kind of sword William would get and the food, they would buy for lunch. Now he doesn't want to touch it. Fearing the High Lords wrath Sky turned toward him for answers. That's where she saw the angry look and the catalyst to William's fear. "I might have killed them all but I used your sword and broke it. For that reason, I owe you a new sword. I don't care if the High Lord looks angry with you. It's not your fault that I broke it and we all pulled the sled back. It's not just my money," informed Sky trying to give him the money again.

Still, the young man didn't take it so Sky turned and tried to hand it to April who refused to accept the bag of coin. Huffing Sky was at a loss of what to do. "If I may be so bold Princess," said one of the guards glaring angrily at the two bowing dragons. "It's your guard's job to protect you and to help you in whatever task you ask them to do. That's how they earn their paychecks so you owe them nothing. Money for the kills belongs to you."

Looking into the guard, Sky could see he was angry and embarrassed at the action of the two. "But they are not my guards and I don't pay for their services," informed Sky still looking into the man who seemed to be more upset with April and William than any of the others there.

"One is a guard of the High Lords company and the other is your temporary Lady-in-waiting. Both had a job to serve you so you need not pay them. They have been paid by the High Lord to do a job in which they have done, nothing more. They bring shame upon their family asking for money from their better," snapped the man.

That's when Sky saw it, the memory that told her that the man was April and Williams, uncle. Glaring back at him Sky turned her attention to the High Lord. "If that's so, then High Lord could you please fire them from their jobs? It seems by your guard they have done a Princess a greaves offense."

The crowd around them gasped in shock, and horror covered Aprils face. "If that is what you wish Princess," said the High Lord with a sad expression as he looked at the young dragons who still bowed low.

"It is," stated Sky standing up tall and observing the slight smug look at the horrible man's face.

Nodding his head the High Lord projected his voice out as he stated for all to hear. "April and William Toliver from this day forth you are no longer in the service of the High Lord. You may return to the castle and turn in your uniform as well a collect your belongings and your pay. I have declared this for all to hear and know it as so."

Turning back around toward the siblings Sky pulled out a hand full of coins "Since you two no longer have a job I was wondering if you would be interested in working for me. Um…" looking down at the money in her hand Sky didn't know how much to pay them.

Even though Jamie had tried to teach her money the other day she kind of understood it, but not the value of things. The gold coin was worth the most followed by silver and then bronze. That was about all she'd learned besides 25 denarii is equal to one aureus, and 100 Sesterce is equal to one Denarius. Now how much should she pay them was the current question. Pulling out sixteen gold coins she tied the coin purse to her waist holding out eight gold pieces out to both of them Sky continued. "I hope this is enough for your service." Tears ran down Aprils face as she looked at the eight gold coins. "Is it not enough?"

"That's a full years wage fit for a King's guard," stated the High Lord dismounting from his horse and making his way over to the April. "If you are a smart girl you'll take it," continued the High Lord low enough that only she and William could hear him. "Surpass your uncle and become higher than him in the rankings." Smacking her in the back of the head hard the High Lord snarled, "What do you tell the Princess you fool!"

Bowling lower the siblings said in unison, "We would be honored to serve you Princess Sky of the White Wood!"

Nodding his head in agreement The High Lord walked back to his small group of guards. "Generals dismount and allow the Princess and her guards to ride home. They've traveled so far by foot already," ordered the High Lord.

Sky smiled smugly when the horrible man dismounted his horse. Making his way over to her the man bowed and presented her the reins. Sneering at him like she'd eaten something bad Sky turned her nose up. "I'd rather walk than ride that nag," said Sky before saying something in a language no one else understood.

The horse seemed to laugh before making its way over to April and nudging her. "I will ride the nag in your stead then Princess," said April rubbing the horse's nose affectionately.

"Fine, but maybe we should take the High Lords road," suggested Sky. "I'd hate for the nag to trip and fall on the short road."

"A good suggestion Princess," replied the High Lord climbing up into his saddle.

Looking at the other two guards who stood by their horses Sky knew she couldn't show any favoritism to the other two. Thinking about how the King would handle it Sky could picture it in her head. Michael would just climb behind Eli so that he could avoid all of it. Deciding she would do the same thing Sky made her way to the High Lord and his horse. Pushing his foot out of the stirrup Sky took ahold of the pummel. Placing her foot in Sky swung up behind the High Lord. "I'll ride with you if you don't mind."

"If that's what pleases you, Princess. What about your other guard," asked the High Lord looking over his shoulder.

Smiling Sky pointed to the other two guards who dismounted. "He can ride behind one of them."

Fighting a smile the High Lord turned toward William before schooling his face and glaring. "You heard the Princess! Move Boy!"

Jumping to attention William ran to the closest general and jumped onto the back of his horse. When he was settled in the High Lord turned his horse and headed back toward the castle. "So tell me about your adventure Princess? How was your countryside adventure," asked the High Lord before eruption into laughter. "Oh, Mina is going to throw a shoe when she sees you."

Groaning Sky had forgotten about Mina and here she was worried about Gladrea. Mina was scarier when she got angry. As soon as they reached the stables Sky was off the back of the horse and racing back to her room. Choosing the fastest way she could hear April fussing at her to stop climbing on roofs. Jumping in through the same window that was open earlier Sky jogged the rest of the way back to the King's room. Since that's were her only other outfit was it wasn't like she had a choice. Waving April and William off, Sky told them to go take their own bathes. Scrubbed clean Sky stepped out of the tub and dried off. Realizing she'd forgotten to grab her one dress Sky wrapped the towel around her and poked her head out of the door. Scanning the room to make sure no one was there her gaze fell upon her side table. There, she saw multiple boxes with ribbons atop of them. Making her way over she took up the first box that smelled like cookies. Sitting down on the bed Sky pulled the small piece of paper out from under the ribbon. Opening it up she could see it was from Jamie. He was apologizing for putting her to sleep and leaving her behind. He also told her about the classes she was about to go through and about his home. Well, mostly it was about his home and how he was jealous that she was getting to go to his home. Opening the box she found the cookies she'd been wanting to eat at the bakery.

Setting the cookies aside after eating one Sky took up another box. This one was from Tanner. Attached to it was the same kind of note Jamie wrote beside the whole drugging you part. It was mostly about the classes and his home. Tanner also asked her to make sure that she kicks his younger brother's butt just because. Within the box Tanner had given her was a set of boot knives. Kyle gave her a set of journals and ink for note taking and letter writing. Sky found it a bit funny that Kyle requested that she write him often. For someone who didn't talk a lot sure wanted to say a lot here recently. Setting those aside Sky opened the biggest box that was from Eli. Inside was several new riding outfits and a couple of dresses. Tossing the dresses aside Sky put on one of her new riding outfits. Hugging the letter after reading it, Sky sat it aside and took up the last box. Turning it over in her hands Sky didn't find a letter with this one. Opening it up Sky found a snuffed manticore inside. Smiling Sky buried her face into the long main of the manticore. The doll smelled of lavender and cinnamon. Snuggling the massive cat Sky flopped back onto the bed. Before she knew it Sky was sound asleep.

Sometime later she awoke to the feel of a hand to her head. Rattling a warning, her dragon sprang to the surface and swiped at whatever was touching her. "Shush now baby dragon," cooed Samuel catching her hand effortlessly.

Blinking the fog away Sky beamed up at him. "Samuel you're here! Was it all a dream," asked Sky quickly sitting up in bed still clutching the stuffed manticore.

"Depends on what you are asking is a dream. Now sit still so I can give you a good check-up," stated Samuel placing his hand back on top of her head.

Closing his eyes Samuel's face morphed with each of his thoughts that flitted through his head. Trying to not be rude Sky looked down at the doll in her hands. Running her fingers through its mane she realized that if the gifts were still here then everything wasn't a dream. It was true that everyone had left, well everyone except Samuel. "What's on your mind Sky," asked Samuel causing Sky to look back at him, but his eyes were still closed.

"Not much," replied Sky sadly.

"I believe that's a lie. Your chemical responses are all over the place, your dragon is agitated, and your stomach is upset. All of that just happened in the last couple of seconds," informed Samuel.

"You can tell all of that," asked Sky somewhere between shocked and amazed.

Lowering his hand Samuel smiled at the look of amazement on Sky's face. "I wouldn't be a good physician to the King if I couldn't. Watching the amazement drop off Sky's face it was replaced with a sad one. When tears began to roll down her face Samuel pulled her into a hug as he begged, "Don't cry Sky. I never know what to do when girls cry."

"I'm sorry," sniffed Sky. "I don't mean too."

Holding her until the tears stopped Samuel wiped the tears from her face and handed her a tissue for her nose. "If it helps it's only for a little while and then you'll be home with everyone again," said Samuel as he laid his hand upon her head again.

"So all the letters have said. So are you staying here with me or are you going to be leaving too," asked Sky finally setting the stuffed animal down.

"I'll only be staying long enough to ensure your health and then I will be flying back to meet the group."

"Other than the bruises I'm fine. There was no reason you had to stay," said Sky picking at the hem of her shirt as Samuel continued his inspection.

"It's not your battle injuries we were worried about. It was the sleeping drugs that had us worried. The first dose wasn't enough and the second dose had you flat out in half the time it should have," informed Samuel lowering his hand. "I was here to make sure there weren't any adverse side effects."

"If that's true then why didn't I see you this morning when I woke up. It seems odd to leave me unattended if you were so worried," asked Sky raising a questioning brow at him.

"Because you shouldn't have woken up today. You should have slept until tomorrow or at least the status spell should have worn off tomorrow. You woke up a day early, but you were never unattended," informed Samuel.

"I didn't see you when I woke up, and you defiantly weren't there when I was on top of the mountain. No one was there so I was unattended at that point," agued Sky.

"Even then you were being watched," laughed Samuel standing up. "We figured you'd run, but we also wanted to hide the fact that we're still here. Unfortunately, though I woke you up with my worried-ness. Besides the blueberries, you haven't eaten at all today. Hungry dragons can become dangerous. Then you fell asleep again and it was really deep. I didn't figured I'd wake you up trying to do a check-up. I was just worried."

Thinking about it Sky didn't remember seeing him all day even if he was trying to stay hidden there was no way she missed him. "If so then who did I have a conversation with on top of the mountain."

"A manticore," came the voice of Owen as he seemed to melt out of the wall.

"Owen," exclaimed Sky jumping to her feet and rushing over to give him a hug. Rapping her up in a big hug, Owen continued. "I was with you all day even though you couldn't see me, but since our cover is blown why don't we all go get some food."

Nodding her head Sky made her way back to the bed to put on her shoes. Hearing a knocking noise she turned to see where it came from. To the far side of the room, Owen was knocking on a table. At the table where April and William who were out cold sleeping on the table top. Sitting up quickly April and William glanced at Owen confused before turning to see Sky and Samuel standing by the bed. "Milady you're awake," said April quickly getting to her feet.

Nodding her head Sky made her way toward the door. "Let's go eat everyone."

*******

Michael groaned as his bed shifted painfully under him. Thunking his head hard on the board like mattress Michael groaned again. Rolling over Michael opened his eyes to look upon wooden planks. Rubbing his head he now knew why his bed felt so hard. That was because it was the floor of a wagon. Pushing himself upright Michael crawled up to the front of the wagon and pushed the curtain aside. Finding Jamie at the reins Michael shaded his eyes from the bright sun. "You're Majesty you're awake at last," said Jamie was a broad smile.

Remembering what happened at the ball Michael slugged Jamie nocking the smile from his face. Falling off the wagon the horses stopped as Jamie's departure pulled harshly on their reins. Catching a flash of something in the wood line to his left Michael exited the wagon quickly. The feel of unease flowed into him from his King's bond letting him know that everyone within the procession was nervous about something. "You saw it too huh," said Eli riding up beside him with Sky's horse.

"What is it," asked Michael taking the reins being offered to him. "And why do you have Sky's horse?"

"We have it so that she wouldn't follow us, and for you to ride since we are down a horse," informed Eli.

"And the beast that's been following us," asked Michael still watching the wood line.

"We're not really sure but we believe it's a manticore. It's been following us for a week and a half now," answered Jamie making his way around the wagon rubbing his jaw.

"I've been unconscious for a week and a half," roared Michael as his horns jutted from his head in anger.

"I told you he'd be angry," said Kyle joining the conversation.

"There is a spot just up ahead that would be a good place to make camp. There's enough open space to keep a good distance between us and the woods. As well as there's a decent-sized lake for His Majesty to bathe," informed Tanner pointing down the road. "And then you can explain everything there."

Rubbing the sleep and frustration out of his face Michael nodded his head. "Then let's make camp there. Do we think it's the same manticore who helped Sky on her way here?"

Watching Michael climb into the saddle Jamie laid a hand on him and checked him quickly. If he wasn't fit to ride he didn't want him riding yet. Feeling he was still a bit groggy but otherwise fine Jamie went for his own horse as a guard climbed onto the wagon. "No they are different I believe. When we started the trip we didn't have a tail but on about day three or four we noticed them," informed Eli stealing a glance toward the woods. "I think there is two of them now."

"Really," asked Michael looking toward the woods as well. "I didn't think that manticores got along with each other."

"Normally they don't," informed Jamie laying his hand back on Michaels leg so that he could do a more thorough exam. "In some cases, brothers stick together and rule over a territory together, but it's rare."

With that, the conversation drew to a close. With the tension being too high no one wanted to anger the King any more than what he was. By lunchtime, they had reached their campsite and the King was taking his long-awaited bath. Giving him his space the group and his Guards hung back but kept an ever vigil eye. With manticores hanging about one couldn't be too watchful. For a massive cat with wings, they where superb at hiding. Watching the skyline in case they decided to attack from above, Jamie saw the arrival of Samuel and Owen. Making his way out into the field he waved them over to land. Plucking the bag out of Owen's mouth where the strap was hooked around a tooth the men changed. Passing the clothes out to the two of them Jamie asked, "What took you so long?"

"Well," said Samuel looking at Owen as he rubbed the back of his head.

Both men had an expression that said a lot without saying nothing at all. "Let me guess she slept for a lot longer than four days huh," asked Jamie handing Samuel his boots.

"No actually she only slept for three days not four. She woke up early which was a shocker," informed Owen collecting his boots.

Pulling a sealed box out of the bag Jamie turned it over in his hands. He could feel the spell that halted time for whatever was inside the knife sized box. Turning a questioning eye toward the two of the men he held up the box. "Okay so what took you so long and what is in this box?"

"Hey you guys are back," called Eli making his way over. "How did everything go? Hows our girl doing? How mad is she?"

"Did she like our gifts," asked Kyle as Tanner began jogging over to meet them.

"Well," both Samuel and Owen still seemed at a loss for words causing Jamie to grow irritated.

"Will one of you two spit it out already? Did you lose her? Is she on her way here? Did she destroy half the castle," snapped Jamie glaring at them.

"No she's still there, and the castle is intact. She also hired herself, two personal guards. That was pretty funny to watch," said Owen laughing nervously.

"Then what's got both of your tongues and what's in the box," asked Jamie shaking the thing at them.

"Well there's no way to really put this, and before you say something I understand what I'm going to say is impossible. Either way just hear us out before you say anything," said Samuel looking very uncomfortable.

Crossing his arms Jamie gave him a look that said to spit it out. Everyone else stood around waiting as well and just as curious. Rubbing the back of his head nervously Samuel continued, "Well, we're pretty sure Sky went into season right after she woke up."

"Impossible," said Jamie practically shouting the word.

"There's no way," gasped Eli.

"How dumb can you to be," snapped Tanner.

Fidgetting Samuel and Owen turned their attention to Kyle who hadn't replied yet. "I've got nothing," replied Kyle simply.

"What makes you even think this notion is even remotely true at her age," said Jamie in a harsh scolding tone.

"Well her dragon was very antsy and restless. Her core temperature went up by three degrees and stayed there for a week. Her dragon wouldn't let anyone touch her including us and if we tried her skin would catch on fire," replied Samuel.

"Which was pretty cool other than it instantly burned a lot of things to ash," informed Owen.

"Yeah pour April followed her around with a bucket of water for a week putting out small blue fires as she went," added Samuel.

"So what you're saying is that you couldn't touch her to get a true reading so you're just guessing. What about her smell? Her scent should have changed as well as you know. Did you smell the tattle tale scent of cinnamon or clove. What about your dragons? They would have known for sure. Did you ask them," asked Eli as he too crossed his arms and looked at the two seriously.

"That's the thing her scent seemed to just kind of vanish. Even after a good workout with her new fighting instructor we couldn't smell her," rambled Owen quickly. "Not that she ever stuck but even with a good hygiene regiment your body still produces some kind of smell."

"To prove it we brought one of her workout shirts with us," said Samuel quickly pointing toward the box. "We figured if anything maybe just we couldn't smell it, but maybe you could, or-" Samuel let the last part hang as he turned his attention toward Michael who was currently rinsing the shampoo out of his hair.

"You want to see if he can smell it and verify that she was," asked Jamie looking over his shoulder.

"True, with the way his dragon has already claimed her then he should know for sure if she's in season or not. Even if it is impossible for a dragon to come into season at 16," agreed Eli.

"And if she is we waited for her to be out of it before coming here just in case the High Dragon decides to make use of her season," informed Samuel looking between the box and the King.

"I doubt the High Dragon is going to have that kind of reaction to an old sweaty t-shirt," laughed Jamie as he pulled the lid off of the box breaking the spell over it.

Pulling the shirt out of the box Jamie flopped it open. The only reaction he had time for was to throw the shirt as a massive black dragon landed on top of them. Everyone scrambled out of the way as quickly as possible trying to void the dragon who was now face-first into the grass. When they thought things couldn't get worse a manticore shout out of the grass right next to the King's face. Moving in enough time not to get hit by the scorpion-like tail the High dragon snarled and swiped at the cat. Sending the cat tumbling through the grass and into a tree the High Dragon drew up short from charging when a lioness and a second male jumped in his way. It wasn't the fact that there were three dragon killers facing him that brought him to a pause. No, it was the perfect silhouette of a glowing sliver young woman who stepped into the shadows right behind them.

*******

Sky sat in the middle of the classroom floor between William and April trying to find her center. Well, at least what the instructor called her center anyway. The fighting instructor said that to be the best fighter one must find one's center. To find one's center one must first clear one's mind. So now she was sitting in the middle of the floor trying to clear her mind, which by the way is hard. Her mind whirled from what was for lunch, to how the King and his guards were doing. Yawning Sky tried to clear her head while her dragon grumbled about the Manticore not keeping his promise. When Sky's awoke her dragon had said something was wrong with Michaels dragon. Sky really didn't understand why, but the last week and a half she'd done a lot of things Sky didn't understand. Of course, as well as her body was acting odd and Sky figured that was what had her dragon upset. Upset enough to ask a Manticore to go check on his welfare. Sky had tried to tell her that he was a big dragon and that she didn't have to worry about him. Unfortunately, she wasn't having any of that and wanted conformation and made her request. Not like it was a small one. No, it would require the manticore to travel outside his territory. Figuring he either had to give up because he reached his territory borders or was attacked Sky wasn't angry with him. Everyone had limitations and manticores were no different.

Yawning again Sky figured if anything she could at least calm her side of her mind. Maybe that would be good enough for what the instructor wanted.

Every day she came to class and every day she failed while her guards seemed to excel in this. Then again they were born into this and she wasn't. Coming from a military family maybe it was ingrained in their DNA. Sky was born well into a… well, a forest and a forest was chaotic. Creatures in the woods had to think on multiple levels to survive. They had to find food, and look for danger, all while finding a mate. Figuring if she could, maybe she could quiet one layer and let to rest roam she turned off her thoughts. Laughing at Sky her dragon shook her head, "You can't turn off your thoughts by chanting don't think of anything."

"Fine," huffed Sky. "Well, what do you suggest, because we've got to do something to pass this part of the class."

"Well how about we spend our time figuring out what that is," said her Dragon pointing toward a glowing silver river within their mind.

"What is that," asked Sky walking toward it. "Where did that come from?"

Shrugging her dragon shoulders Sky's dragon replied, "It showed up when we got to thinking about Michael and his guards."

Crouching down right on its banks she watched the silver water swirl as it flowed down the river and off into the distance. "This is so strange," replied Sky as she reached down to touch the water's surface.

Dipping her fingers into the water the darkness of her mind brightened and Sky found herself standing in the middle of the woods. Looking around she watched a lioness jump to her feet quickly. Looking at the set of her wings and tail Sky could see she'd scared her and she apologized quickly. "I'm so sorry I didn't mean to frighten you."

Turning her head to the side the lioness quickly straightened it before bowing low. "Heart of the world and the gift from the mother of us all, it is an honor to be in your presence."

"You don't have to bow," smiled Sky making her way over and rubbing her face against the top of the lioness's head.

Purring the lioness returned Skys greeting in kind as her joy flowed into Sky. "How is it that I might help you Heart of the world, and the gift from the mother of us all?"

Standing back up Sky looked around at the woods and struggled her shoulders. Catching a glimpse of her hands she paused as she looked right through them. All she could see was a translucent silver glow like when she was willing herself to become invisible. When she was invisible it was like she took off her skin leaving only her silver snakes in its place. Her body was silver in color but it had more substance than she did at the moment. It was like she'd left her body and what was standing in front of her was only a small fraction of herself. "I'm not sure where here is or how I even got here," answered Sky honestly as she began absentmindedly petting the lioness.

"Are you here to see your pretty man," asked the lioness as she relaxed into Sky's hand purring.

"My pretty man," asked Sky confused to what the lioness was asking.

"Yes, a male two territories back said that you had requested that we update you once the pretty man's wakes up on his health. My mates have been keeping track of the army as they trek through our territory but they have not stated they have seen him. From what the crow told me is that he sleeps in the back of a wagon, but will not wake," seeing the look of concern on Sky's face the lioness continues quickly, "The crow says he looks fine and healthy. I'm sure all is well, even though he's been asleep for a long time. We were asked to report as soon as he wakes and all is well. We are still waiting. I can take you to them if you wish."

Nodding her head Sky climbed on the lioness's back as she spread her wings and took to the sky. From the air, Sky could see that the group had made camp but should couldn't make out who was who. Landing at a safe distance the lioness made her way back into the woods unnoticed by the soldiers. Sliding off her back as they approach the tail of the group Sky pointed ward the lake. "Look there he is? He seems to be awake now," said Sky as her dragon rattled in satisfactory.

"The man in the water is the one you like," asked the Lioness pressing herself into Sky's side.

Shaking her head no Sky replied, "No I like all of them. They are the only family I have, but he's just the prettiest. He spends a lot of time mad at me but he gives my bellies the butterflies. It's like waking up in the winter and finding snow on the ground, added with the feeling you get when the sled takes off in flight as you slide down a hill at super-fast speeds. His dragon's eyes are as dark as the night sky and sparkle just like the stars. I really like his normal eyes too. They are as green as spring grass and with the smell of lavender that clings to his skin it feels like you are drowning in a field of flowers and grass. For what ever reason I don't get to see those eyes much. Mostly when I'm near him his dragon is always at the surface. Oh and he smells like cookies! Those I believe are a gift from the Goddess herself. I could eat cookies until I vomit," rambled Sky watching as Micheal bathed himself in the lake.

"He sounds like something special," laughed the lioness.

Nodding her head in agreement Sky could feel her face blush slightly as she replied, "Yes but don't tell him that."

Laughing more the Lioness gave her a gentle head butt, "I would never dream of it, but one day you'll have to let him now how you feel."

"Oh no I'd die first," stammered Sky mortified. "I could never tell him that! Oh, he'd be even more made at me than he already is."

The lioness looked at her quizzically as she slunk out of the woods on her belly. "I'm not sure how or why he could ever be mad at you. You are the heart of the world and the gift from the mother of us all."

Walking along beside the lioness Sky watched as the grass passed through her as if she didn't exist at all. Puzzling out this new realization of her complete insubstantial existence Sky only stopped when the lioness did. Looking up at what had caught her attention Sky could see that Samuel and Owen had landed at some time and where talking with Jamie fully clothed. Watching Jamie open a box and pull out a t-shirt, things went from normal too chaotic. Things happened so fast she couldn't process them fast enough. Trying to look everywhere at once she missed everything that happened except for a manticore that went flying into a tree. "Oh No," shouted Sky racing toward the tree with the lioness and a second male lion that came out of nowhere.

Not knowing what to do Sky jumped between the three manticores and the charging black dragon. Standing tall with her hands out to the side Sky closed her eyes expecting to get run over. Having seen people take this stance to stop horses she hadn't expected it to work for dragons. Then again she didn't have any substance so she wasn't even sure that anyone besides the manticore could see her. Opening her eyes she looked directly into a set of black pools that made her mouth go instantly dry. They seemed to be regarding her in her entire length, but there wasn't any way he should be able to see her. "Sky," rumbled Micheal before turning his attention toward the three manticores behind her.

"Wait you can see me," asked Sky dropping her eyes.

"You're majesty," shouted the army as they all raced toward him.

Looking at them, Sky turned toward the manticores with a worried expression. "You three should go. I don't want you getting hurt," said Sky as she shivered like someone just ran their fingers up her spine.

Turning her attention back to Michael she watched as his hand passed through her again. Shivering for a second time Sky stepped away as the lioness gave her a slight growl. "They wouldn't dare get to close with me so close to the High Dragon. My tail might get two twitchy if they did," stated the Lioness as she prowled around the black scaled King as he stood in front of Sky in all of his glory.

Keeping an eye on the lioness Michael held his hand out to halt the army. "High Dragon what is it," asked Eli taking in the scene. "What do you want us to do?"

"She's sizing you up," called Tanner. "You better act now or they'll kill you."

"You will do nothing and neither will I. They are here at the bequest of a very annoying young dragon who shouldn't be playing with powers she knows nothing about," snapped Michael. "You are too young for a walkabout Sky so go back to your body before it dies without you!"

"What," asked Sky as she looked between Michael and the lioness who was making a second pass around him. "I don't understand what a walkabout is, and what do you mean by my body will die?"

Waiting for a reply Sky looked back at the two males who were keeping a close eye on the group. Looking back toward the lioness and then Michael Sky waved a hand in front of his face and growled. "Hello I'm talking to you."

"He can't hear you," informed the lioness making her way back toward her mates. "I can't believe he can even see you. Currently you are nothing but a soul walking around without your body. We cat's are gifted with the sight to see spirits and so we can see and hear you."

"I said go home," roared Michael as he plunged his hand inside her chest. "NOW!"

Screaming out in pain Sky's felt a sucking motion as if something was pulling her. The next thing she knew was that she was back in the training classroom with dozens of faces above her. An earth dragon sat frozen on her stomach with her hands slightly above her still burning chest. Looking down at her chest she could see a black hand fading away. Sky turned her attention back to the woman sitting on top of her. "You're kind of heavy," croaked Sky rubbing at her soar and dry throat.

Confused by what happened Sky tried to sit up but found her body felt tired and stiff. "No stay still Princess," said an elderly earth dragon as she laid her hand on her head. "Can you tell me what happened to you?"

"I don't understand," croaked Sky trying to clear her throat.

Helping Sky sit up the woman handed her a glass of water. "Honey you were dead for a while there. We've been trying to resuscitate you when a hand showed up on your chest and here you are."

Remembering Sky grumbled, "That jerk shoved his hand and in my chest and yelled at me to go home. Whatever he did hurt really bad."

Rubbing her still aching chest the group starred at her in shock as they began talking over each other. Shaking her head the elderly earth dragon quiet everyone down before pushing herself out of the floor. "Sky did you go on a walkabout outside your body?"

"Michael dragon said the same thing but I don't know what a walkabout is," said Sky excepting April's help out of the floor.

With a nod, the Elderly dragon looked at Sky's instructor. "No more meditation classes for her unless you find a silver dragon who can teach her how to perform a walkabout properly. Either that or an earth dragon who hasn't killed themselves the same way she almost did. We should find ourselves lucky her first walkabout was in the presence of the High dragon, and luckier that he had the knowledge and power to send her back."

"Silver dragons don't exist, and I know of no earth dragons in residence here with that skill," stated Sky's instructor.

"Silver dragons," asked Sky looking between the elder dragon and her instructor.

Waving her question off the elder dragon replied, "Well upside we all know his majesty is safe after Jamie's little stunt, and no more meditation for you understand?"

*******

Turning his back on the three manticores Michael and his dragon head back to the lake and his clothes. "Is everything okay High Dragon, King of us all," asked Eli walking along beside him keeping an eye on the beasts.

Grumbling to himself Michaels dragons looks back at the pride as they disappeared off into the wood line. "No, that idiot child was on a walkabout playing with manticores and trying to kill herself," snapped the High Dragon getting dressed.

Looking back at the trees Eli's brain whirled at that knowledge. "Please forgive my rudeness High Dragon but are you sure?"

"I sent her home so of course, I'm sure. We need to send a letter, so ready the messenger. I heard her scream, we need to make sure she's okay and made it back in time. We don't know how long she was walking about. We should be lucky that she went on a walkabout close to us. We will instruct them to never let her walkabout again," growled Michael leaving the lake and heading toward the campsite.

Everyone bowed low as he passed making his way toward his tent. He hated how everyone looked at him in fear when he passed by them. Settling further back within their body Michael could feel his scales recede as well as his wings. Making his way into his tent Michael flopped back on his cot. Even though he'd just slept for a week and a half he was tired. On top of that, it took a big chunk of his power to kick the irritating she-dragon back into her own body. Michael had no clue what his dragon was talking about when he said we needed to send her back. It was common knowledge that some dragons with a touch of silver dragon blood could go on a walkabout. Unfortunately, most of them died young because of it, but with training they could be a tactical assist. He would have to make sure that when she traveled to the Lands of Earth there would be a teacher waiting on her. Hopefully, she didn't kill herself before then.

Of all dragons, it had to be the little she-dragon his dragon claimed as a mate who could walkabout. If that little spit fired died his dragon would be devastated. "If she shows up again we'll send her back again," snapped the dragon clearly still irritated at her stupidity.

It wasn't like any of this was her fault. Honestly she probably didn't have a clue what was going on. She probably saw a manticore and probably yelled kitty and jumped on it. Wondering why Sky had an affinity for the dragon killing beasts Michael placed that thought on the back burner when someone cleared their throat. "What," growled Michael pulling Sky's shirt off of his face.

"I brought you your lunch High Dragon," said Kyle laying the tray down upon the table.

Looking at his hands to make sure the scales were gone he ran his hand over his forehead and through his hair. Not feeling his horns he raised his eyebrow at Kyle in questions. "Oh so you're both here," said Kyle in shock looking between the shirt and Michael.

Laying the shirt down on his pillow Michael stood up. "An what is that supposed to mean?"

Kyle smiled brightly before turning on his heels and walking away without a word. Packing his lunch over to his writing deck Michael prepared two letters. One for Mina about what he'd just discovered and asking about Sky's health, and another one for Lady Silvanus. Sky was going to need training to use her new power properly without killing herself. This little spitfire he packed out of the woods was going to be the death of him. One thing for sure was she was more than a headache. She was also painful to his nether regions too. Groaning Michael adjusted himself as he stood up. Sighing in relief that his pants were no longer cutting him in half he glared at the smiling idiot who just walked in. Handing Eli the two sealed letters Michael growled in irritation. "Wipe that smile off of your face and have Jamie mail these. I'm taking a nap so make sure no one disturbs me."

Walking back to his cot Michael shucked his clothes before crawling under the blanket and burying his face into the shirt covered pillow. "Napping my foot," laughed Eli as he turned around and exited the tent taking the dishes with him.

Rolling his eyes Michael had all intentions of taking a nap, but only after relieving the painful pressure that had built up in his balls.